This Is Exactly What to Order at the Best Ice Cream Shops in the West
You’re going to want to try them all.
Courtesy of McConnells Fine Ice Creams
Any day can be your own personal ice cream day, but July 16 gave us even more incentive to head out to our local creamery. That was National Ice Cream Day, and prepared ourselves in the only way we know how: lots of important research.
We reviewed some of the most popular places to grab a scoop, pint, or sundae and the results are in. Below, check out the specific orders to ask for at various ice cream purveyors across the West. Ranging from the most unique ice cream flavors to simply iconic combinations, these should all go on your radar ASAP. Because really, isn’t every day an ice cream day?
Alaska: Wild Blueberry and Fireweed Ice Cream at Wild Scoops
Courtesy of Wild Scoops
Wild Scoops opened in 2015, and has quickly made a name for itself as one of the best creameries in the nation. They’re known for their small-batch creations, most notably the Wild Blueberry and Fireweed flavors. Wild Blueberry is made with wild Alaskan blueberries, and Fireweed features natural fireweed extract and honey.
Arizona: Sweet Corn Ice Cream at Sweet Republic
Courtesy of Sweet Republic
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May through July is known for producing the best sweet corn in Arizona. With that being said, a highly recommended order is the iconic sweet corn flavor at Sweet Republic. Using local corn harvested in the early summertime, this flavor is among the many fresh and flavorful options served at this microcreamery.
California: Eureka Lemon & Marionberries at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
Courtesy of McConnells Fine Ice Creams
Celebrating the best of the West Coast, McConnell’s Eureka Lemon & Marionberries is a flavor with a little bit of everything. Marionberry preserves from Oregon’s Willamette Valley are folded into California’s own Eureka Lemon-infused, Central Coast-derived milk and cream.
Colorado: A Root Beer Float at Little Man Ice Cream
Courtesy of Little Man Ice Cream
Known for serving up tasty ice cream and plenty of nostalgia, Little Man is vintage-inspired ice cream at its finest. For their classic root beer float, the ice cream parlor pairs their rich vanilla ice cream with “pop” from Denver-based soda company Rocky Mountain Soda.
Hawaii: Kauai Pie Ice Cream at Lappert’s Hawaii
Courtesy of Lappert’s Hawaii
You can only find flavors like this in the Aloha State. Kauai Pie is a fan-favorite and includes the following mouth-watering ingredients: Kona Supreme Cold Brew, coconut flakes, dark chocolate fudge, and Big Island macadamia nuts. When you walk into Lappert’s Hawaii, you’ll be consumed by the smells of their homemade waffle cones—so don’t forget to include a cone in your order, too!
Idaho: A Flight at The STIL
Courtesy of The STIL
For ice cream lovers over the age of 21, we know exactly what you should do if you’re in Idaho: Head over to The STIL (an abbreviation of “The Sweetest Things in Life”) and order a flight. This hot spot is known for its small batch ice cream that they pair with local beer and wine. One of their favorite pairings is the flavor Ed and Carl Take Reno, which is made with Seven Devils Idaho Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and the Mother Earth Cali Creamin’ vanilla cream ale.
Montana: Huckleberry Ice Cream at Big Dipper Ice Cream
Courtesy of Big Dipper
Aside from the hit show Yellowstone, the state of Montana is known for its huckleberries. So, it only makes sense to order a big scoop of huckleberry ice cream at one of Big Dipper Ice Cream’s three locations.
Nevada: The Western Sundae at Luv-It Frozen Custard
You can get everything from shakes to pints, but a classic order at Luv-It is the Western Sundae. Complete with hot fudge, hot caramel, and buttered, roasted, and salted pecans, it’s the number one combo sold year-round.
New Mexico: The Green Chile Sundae at Caliche’s Frozen Custard
Courtesy of Caliche’s Frozen Custard
Caliche’s Green Chile Sundae is famous for a reason—or a few. They top their classic custard with a green chile marmalade, and you can add nuts for more texture.
Oregon: Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanero Ice Cream at Salt and Straw
Courtesy of Salt & Straw
Every month, Salt & Straw works on a selection of limited-time flavors that bring new options and delight to their loyal customers. July’s Berries Berries Berries Series includes one order that honors the company’s home state of Oregon. Try a scoop of the Goat Cheese Marionberry Habanero, which features a goat cheese base and marionberry-habanero jam. Marionberries, often hailed as the “king of blackberries,” were invented and are still exclusively grown in Oregon. Bonus: Get it in a homemade waffle cone for the ultimate Salt & Straw experience.
Utah: The G.O.A.T. at Rockwell Ice Cream
The name says it all: If you’re in Salt Lake or Provo, you need to get The G.O.A.T. at Rockwell Ice Cream. With a flavorful goat cheese base, plus mix-ins like blackberry, lemon jam swirls, and honey rosemary roasted almonds, it’s no wonder this scored the title of “America’s Greatest Ice Cream” in 2019.
Washington: Cherry Chunk at Molly Moon Ice Cream
Courtesy of Molly Moon
If you’re near a Molly Moon shop this summer, don’t miss out on their limited-time flavor, Cherry Chunk. Made with Bing, Van, and Red Lambert cherries from Alberg Farm in Eastern Washington, it’s the ideal ode (à la mode!) to summer. This seasonal ice cream also comes with chunks of Theo 70 percent dark chocolate, and it’s a lovely option for gluten-free ice cream lovers.
Feel like staying in and avoiding crowds? Explore our go-to homemade ice cream recipes.
